“They really do want a prisoner swap for these five Cuban intelligence agents,” she said.

Those spies, known as the Cuban five, were convicted of espionage in 2001. It’s a swap the U.S. may be unwilling to make.

“Alan Gross is, in effect, a hostage being held by the Cuban government for purpose of exchange…and I think that the United States felt that the price was too high,” said international law expert Mortimer Sellers.

Friends and family hold regular rallies outside the Cuban consulate in D.C., calling for Gross’ release. As the months wear on with no negotiations, Judy Gross says her husband tries to keep his spirits up.

“He feels like he’s been deserted. He wants to know where his country is,” she said.

She’ll keep fighting until he’s back with his family.

Next week, Judy Gross will be on Capitol Hill asking senators to sign a letter to Raul Castro asking for her husband’s release.

The family’s attorney has also filed a petition with the United Nations, which could add international pressure on Cuba to return Gross to the United States.

Meghan McCorkell

Meghan McCorkell joined the Eyewitness News team in July 2011 as a General Assignment Reporter.
She came to Baltimore from Columbus, Ohio where she spent nearly three years at WSYX/WTTE. While there, she traveled to Haiti to cover relief efforts...